New Special Examines John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Love Story

Close friends and contemporaries share insights into the couple's relationship and tragic deaths.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A new ABC special titled "John and Carolyn | Love, Beauty and Loss" will examine the lives and relationship of John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. The special features interviews with the couple's close friends and contemporaries, as well as rare footage and photographs. It coincides with the release of a scripted series about the couple on FX.

Why it matters

John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy were one of the most famous and scrutinized couples of their time. Their lives and tragic deaths at a young age continue to captivate the public's interest. This new special provides a deeper look into their relationship and the circumstances surrounding their untimely passing.

The details

The special, which airs on ABC on February 17, features interviews with close friends of the couple as well as the journalists who covered their lives. It promises to go behind the scenes of the upcoming FX scripted series about the couple, and will include newly unearthed photographs and rare footage from their 1996 wedding.

  • The special airs on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10 p.m. ET.
  • It will be available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

The players

John F. Kennedy Jr.

The son of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who died in a plane crash in 1999 along with his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

The wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., who died in the 1999 plane crash along with her husband and her sister Lauren.

Lauren Bessette

The older sister of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, who also died in the 1999 plane crash.

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The takeaway

The new special on John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy promises to provide a deeper, more intimate look at one of the most famous and tragic couples of their generation. By featuring interviews with close friends and contemporaries, as well as rare footage and photographs, the special aims to shed new light on their relationship and the circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths.